For First Time, Median Cost of Private Nursing Home Room Hits Six Figures in Annual Survey
The median cost of a private nursing home room in the United States increased to $100,375 a year in 2018, up 3 percent from 2017, according to Genworth's annual Cost of Care survey.
2019 Cost-of-Living Adjustments for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
2019 Cost-of-Living Adjustments
How to Handle Sibling Disputes Over a Power of Attorney
When one sibling is named in a power of attorney, there is the potential for disputes with other siblings. No matter which side you are on, it is important to know your rights and limitations.
Can I Give My Kids $15,000 a Year?
If you have it to give, you certainly can, but there may be consequences should you apply for Medicaid long-term care coverage within five years after each gift.
It’s Now Harder for Veterans to Qualify for Long-Term Care Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs has finalized new rules that make it more difficult to qualify for long-term care benefits. The rules establish an asset limit and asset transfer penalties for claimants applying for VA pension benefits.
It's Important to Shop Around for Your Medigap Policy
Medigap premiums can vary widely depending on the insurance company, according to a new study, so be sure to shop around before choosing a policy.
VA Pension Eligibility Rules Changing on Oct. 18
Under current law, the benefit of Veterans’ pension is available to veterans and surviving spouses of veterans whether they have made gifts of their assets or not (if they meet other eligibility criteria). This will change on Oct. 18. Beginning on October 18, gifts...
Fear of Losing Home to Medicaid Contributed to Elder Abuse Case
A family's fear of losing their home to Medicaid may have contributed to a severe case of elder abuse. If they had consulted with an attorney, they could have gotten their mother care while also protecting the house.
Medicare Extends Deadline for Relief from Part B Penalties
Medicare is extending its offer of relief from penalties for certain Medicare beneficiaries who failed to sign up for Medicare Part B because they had coverage through the individual insurance marketplace.
The Little-Known Tax on Roth 401(k) Distributions
There are two main types of employee retirement savings plans: the traditional 401(k) and the Roth 401(k). Distributions from a Roth 401(k) are usually tax-free, but there is a little-known situation where distributions can be taxed.
When Can an Adult Child Be Liable for a Parent's Nursing Home Bill?
Although a nursing home cannot require a child to be personally liable for their parent's nursing home bill, there are circumstances in which children can end up having to pay.
Court Overturns Obama Rule Protecting Investors Saving for Retirement
A U.S. court has struck down a rule intended to prevent financial advisers from steering their clients to bad retirement investments, but there is a new proposal to address the same problem.
A Guidebook to Planning for Old Age
Are you ready for old age? An essential and empowering book addresses the important issues and directs readers to a myriad of resources to help them plan for the realities of aging.
Five Planning Pointers for Parents with Disabled Children
A parent is irreplaceable, but someone will have to fill in if the worst happens.
Qualifying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) After a Transfer of Assets
If your resources are above the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program’s resource limits of $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a married couple, you may be able to “spend down” to qualify for SSI, similar to the process to qualify for the Medicaid program.